Regardless of what happens this season, Mark Jamar will return to Essendon next year in the role that initially landed him at the Bombers as a part-time ruck coach.

After a long career with Melbourne, Jamar joined the coaching staff at Tullamarine prior to signing on as a player following the CAS verdict not long after his arrival.

The role will still be there in 2017 after originally signing a two-year contract.

Jamar says he is relishing the role of not only playing with, but mentoring the Bombers fleet of ruckmen.

“I love it,” he said.

“I sit down and watch the tape with the boys each week, obviously we get two to three training sessions where I work with big Matty Leuenberger, Sam Michael, Shaun McKernan and Gach Nyuon every week.

“I’ve got a lot of tricks that I can pass onto these boys that I’ve learned over the last 14 seasons.

 “I think they appreciate the time that I put into those guys.”

The former Demon played 155 matches in red and blue before making his Essendon debut as in Saturday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.

He said he was hoping to play as many games as possible during the back half of the season, starting with Saturday’s match against Fremantle.

“I’m here when Leuey needs a rest or, when we do have the option to play two ruckmen, I’ll definitely play,” Jamar said.

“I hope to play as many games as I can this year.”

Jamar’s debut game for the Bombers was his first at AFL level since playing the opening five games of last season.

The 32 year-old had seven disposals, three marks, 19 hitouts and a goal.

 “I think definitely the speed of the game is very quick,” Jamar said.

 “A lot now with zoning and team defence, which is actually a good thing because you can help each other out.

 “You don’t feel as though you’re isolated out there one-on-one as much, you get more help from your teammates which is good.”